If you don't know the significance of the Mt Whitney on station, the Cole should dispel all doubt. Who was it that described the locals as "ants"?

It's now only a question of whose timetable. If Iran thinks it will help Obama
get elected, it will be sooner. I was on station when we hit Quadaffi in 80's,
the whole time Libya was selling oil to Italy, who refined it, and loaded it onto our ships. We were berthed right next to the Libya tanker. Nations leaders
do not control trade, even and especially during war conditions. Iraq took 100 hours, Iran is bigger, but weapons, systems, training, and a few other things very close to being impossible and un-imaginable are now available.